Murer House is forgotten 'jewel' in Folsom

Don Chaddock • The TelegraphMurer House volunteers Cindy Baker, left, and Joyce Ceauteri arrange a display in the museum. The museum and home, at 1125 Joe Murer Court, are open for tours the first Saturday of every month.

Don Chaddock • The TelegraphThe cabinets in the Murer House are an example of the craftsmanship of Joe Murer.

Don Chaddock • The TelegraphThe Murer House features a museum and learning center.

Don Chaddock • The TelegraphPhotos are featured in the museum at the Murer House.

The Murer House, a little bit of Italy in Historic Folsom, is a historical spot with lots of history exuding from its 900-square-foot property that many tourists and locals alike do not know about.
Cindy Baker, chair of the Murer House Foundation Board of Directors, called the Murer House “a real jewel that is often overlooked.”
The Murer House was built in 1925, after Giuseppe “Joe” Murer came to Folsom in fall 1911 and purchased the property in 1921.
“The property is fairly small by today’s standards, although 900 square-feet in the 1920s was considered large,” said Baker.
The City of Folsom acquired the Murer House property in 1997 and the mayor at the time wanted to preserve the House as a landmark.
“The original agreement within the city was to keep the Murer House a non-profit organization with a Board of Directors and volunteers,” said Baker.
The Murer House property has been kept the same and everything (such as the architecture and plant life) is original from when it was first built.
“The House is open for touring, but there are still many repairs and upkeeps that need to be done on the property,” said Baker.
The organization does some fundraising in order to meet their goals of bringing Murer House back to life.
“We currently offer Italian cooking classes, language classes, and art classes at Murer House. We have about 100 members who pay membership fees which help with the costs of maintaining the grounds, repairs on the House, and various other fees,” said Baker. “The Murer House Board of Directors is trying to bring back the 1925 furnishings of the house such as a refrigerator and stove.”
Part of the way in which the board of directors hopes to accomplish the preservation of the House is by hosting fundraising events throughout the year to raise money
Italy on Wheels, the organizations annual fundraiser, will be held on Sept. 15. This event includes an Italian car and bike show with wood-fired pizza, and Italian beers and sodas.
Baker said, “The Murer House is an important part of Folsom’s history and we want to be part of the tourists that visit the Folsom area.”
The organization hopes to gain new members and volunteers as well as to generate funds for the Museum through the upcoming fundraising events.
The Murer House organization is also looking forward to developing their relationship with Crespano del Grappo, their sister city, by celebrating the signing of the “Declaration of Friendship” which was signed on Sept. 29, 2000.
“The organization is looking towards a bright future in which we hope to provide more drop-in hours at the museum, increase the number of classes offered, include a bocce ball court on the grounds and possibly make a club, and to build a small Italian oven,” said Baker.
Murer House is currently open for tours on the first Saturday of every month and by appointment. For more information, visit murerhouse.org.
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KNOW AND GO
What: Italy on Wheels, car and bike show
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 15
Where: Murer House, 1125 Joe Murer Court, Folsom
Cost:?Free admission
Info: Murerhouse.org